PETA calls for investigation after calf dies at Makawao Stampede on Maui

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Animal rights advocates are outraged after a calf was killed during a popular rodeo on Maui, and event organizers say they do not condone harm to animals either.

Read more Additional arrests made in Lahaina pool-area assault, riot investigation

The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) got a hold of a video showing the moment the baby cow was killed at the Fourth of July Makawao Stampede.

“This horrific video shows a calf violently wrapped around a pole by the neck and evidently killed after being roped in this rodeo,” Melanie Johnson of PETA said.

The group sent the recording in an email to Hawaii News Now, citing Hawaii state law prohibiting reckless bodily harm to animals, and condemning all rodeos.

“PETA regularly receives reports of animals exploited by rodeos who have suffered broken necks, legs, or backs. Rodeos consider these animals to be cheap, expendable, and replaceable,” Johnson added.

But Maui’s rodeo community told HNN they do not view their livestock as PETA described.

“The loss of any animal is very concerning and deeply concerning to everyone involved, and we don’t condone any use of anything that’s going to hurt… these animals,” Makawao rodeo organizers Ken and Morag Miranda said.

The Mirandas emphasized the killing was an accident, and said they have clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent animal deaths and injuries.

Read more Researchers warn Kauai honeycreepers are disappearing faster than expected

“In 40 years of rodeo, I had not seen a run like that,” Ken Miranda said. “It wasn’t the contestant. Nobody does this on purpose.”

Unconvinced by the Makawao Stampede’s protections, PETA sent a letter to the Maui County Prosecuting Attorney’s office calling for an investigation and charges.

“This calf’s death rises to the level of reckless cruelty to animals,” Johnson argued.

The Mirandas pointed out they have their own penalties for participants who violate their animal protection rules, and they are looking into more safety measures for the livestock involved.

“There was no intentional abuse or mistreatment of the animal. It was an accident. All the precautions were put in place and it was unfortunate,” Morag Miranda said.

Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin told HNN, “We did receive the letter and a link to the video. We are currently reviewing the matter.”

Read more East Honolulu voters, candidates react with confusion after judge bars Waters from ballot